Flitzer Z-21 Explained

The Flitzer Z-21 or Staaken Flitzer is a British amateur-built aircraft, designed by Lynn Williams and produced by Flitzer Sportplanes of Aberdare, Wales. The aircraft is supplied as plans for amateur construction.^{[1] [2]}

In the late 1990s, it was also marketed as plans and in kit form by Bell Aeromarine of Leicester, UK.^[3]

Design and development

The Z-21 is a single-seat, open cockpit 1920s-style biplane with fixed conventional landing gear with spoked wheels and a single engine in tractor configuration.^{[1] [2]}

The aircraft is made from wood, with its flying surfaces covered in doped aircraft fabric. Its 5.51NaN1 span wing has a combined area of 9m2 and ailerons on the bottom wing only. The aircraft was designed for the 650NaN0 Volkswagen air-cooled engine, but other variants have been developed that use a variety of engines, including the 1100NaN0 Rotec R2800 radial engine.^{[1] [2]}

Further planned developments include a tandem two seater, a four aileron version and a lighter weight version.^{[1] [2]}

Operational history

In August 2014 there were eleven Flitzers registered in the United Kingdom.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 103. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
2. Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 108. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015.
3. Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition, page 362. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998.
4. Web site: CAA Register.